Apache Junction police: Officer resigns after inappropriate use of Flock cameras

Apache Junction police say one of their own officers improperly used controversial technology known as license plate readers and is now off the force.

First, Apache Junction police dispatchers reported to their supervisor that an officer asked them to run a family member’s license plate. Then department leaders heard from another agency that he used license plate readers to find the family member.

Police Chief Michael Pooley said there was an internal review, and the officer recently turned in his badge.

“But had he not resigned, he would have been terminated. We understand what’s going on out there with this type of technology. We understand our officers, our profession is held to a very high standard,” he said.

Pooley said Apache Junction police will continue using roughly three dozen license plate readers made by the company Flock.

His decision comes after Chandler police and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office recently announced plans to get rid of the cameras.

Pooley said it’s illegal for officers to access other kinds of personal information that law enforcement has.

“We want our officers and our staff to know that if you use this type of technology in a way it’s not meant for, you are going to be held responsible. Right now, it’s not a crime. In my opinion, should it be? Absolutely,” he said.